THE STATE OF TEXAS CITY OF BROWNSVILLE COUNTY OF CAMERON MINUTES of a Regular Meeting of the City Commission of the City of Brownsville, Texas, held in the Commission Chambers, on the Second Floor of the Brownsville City Hall Old Federal Building, located at 1001 East Elizabeth Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at 5:35 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. with the following members present: ANTONIO MARTINEZ ) MAYOR COMMISSIONERS RICARDO LONGORIA, JR. ) District 1 DEBORAH PORTILLO ) District 3 JOHN VILLARREAL ) District 4 CESAR DE LEON ) At-Large A ROSE M.Z. GOWEN, M.D. ) At-Large B CHARLIE CABLER PETE GONZALEZ MARK SOSSI MICHAEL L. LOPEZ CITY MANAGER DEPUTY CITY MANAGER CITY ATTORNEY ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/ CITY SECRETARY ABSENT: JESSICA TETREAU (District 2) A quorum being present, Mayor Antonio Martinez, asked Ms. Griselda Rosas, Assistant City Secretary, to read the call to consider the following matters as posted and filed for the record in The Office of the City Secretary on February 03, 2017. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 5:35 P.M. Upon motion by Commissioner Ricardo Longoria, Jr., seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and carried unanimously, the Executive Session convened at 5:37 p.m. to discuss the following items: A) Discussion pursuant to Section 551.072, of the Texas Government Code, regarding properties struck off from, to Cameron County for itself and other taxing jurisdictions from a tax resale held on November 1, 2016. B) Consultation with attorney, pursuant to Section 551.071, of the Texas Government Code. C) Consultation with attorney, pursuant to Section 551.071, of the Texas Government Code. Upon conclusion of Executive Session Mayor Antonio Martinez, convened the Regular Meeting at 6:16 p.m. No action was taken in Executive Session. Minutes February 07, 2017 Page 1 of 10
REGULAR MEETING: 6:00 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: UNITED STATES PLEDGE * TEXAS PLEDGE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Antonio Martinez and the Texas Pledge was led by Commissioner Ricardo Longoria, Jr. INVOCATION: The invocation was delivered by Pastor Brad Burkes, from Embassy of the Spirit Church, Brownsville, Texas. ACTION ON ITEM DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION: A) Discussion and POSSIBLE ACTION on Resolution Numbers 2017-012 through Resolution Number 2017-018, approving or rejecting the bid/offer(s) received on the Tax Resale properties on November 1, 2016. 2017-012 Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33, Block 1, Magic Valley Subdivision, Section 3, a subdivision in Cameron County, Texas according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 20, Pages 9-10, Map Records of Cameron County, Texas. (Acct. No. 76-5430-0010-0010-00) 2017-013 Lots 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33, Block 8, Magic Valley Subdivision, Section 1, a subdivision in Cameron County, Texas, according to the Map or Plat thereof, recorded in Volume 20, Pages 9-10, Map Records of Cameron County, Texas. (Acct. No. 76-5410-0080-0011-00) 2017-014 Lot 24, Block 3, Magic Valley Subdivision, Section 1, a subdivision in Cameron County, Texas, according to the Map or Plat thereof, recorded in Volume 20, Pages 9-10, Map Records of Cameron County, Texas. (Acct. No. 76-5410-0030-0240- 00) 2017-015 Lot 23, Block 3, Magic Valley Subdivision, Section 1, a subdivision in Cameron County, Texas, according to the Map or Plat thereof, recorded in Volume 20, Pages 9-10, Map Records of Cameron County, Texas. (Acct. No. 76-5410-0030-0230- 00) 2017-016 Lot 25, Block 3, El Lago Subdivision, Section V, in Cameron County, Texas, according to Map or Plat thereof recorded in Cabinet 1, Page 1161-B and 1162- A, of the Map Records of Cameron County, Texas. (Acct. No. 74-7547-0030-0250- 00) 2017-017 the Rear ½ of Lot 7, Block 25-A, extension of High School Section, City of Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, according to the Map or Plat thereof, recorded in Volume 11, Page 14, Map Records of Cameron County, Texas. (Acct. No. 06-8190- 0250-0070-00) Minutes February 07, 2017 Page 2 of 10
2017-018 Lot 11, Block 225, Original Townsite to the City of Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, according to the Map or Plat thereof, recorded in Volume 5, Page 13, Map Records of Cameron County, Texas. (Acct. No. 01-0000-2250-0110-00) Commissioner Ricardo Longoria, Jr., moved that Resolution Numbers 2017-012 through Resolution Number 2017-018, approving or rejecting the bid/offer(s) received on the Tax Resale properties on November 1, 2016, be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and carried unanimously. 1. MAYOR S ACTIVITY UPDATE: Mayor Antonio Martinez did not deliver a report. 2. COMMISSIONERS ACTIVITY UPDATE: Commissioner Deborah Portillo gave a recap of her attendance at the State Capital in Austin, Texas regarding Brownsville Day. Commissioner Portillo thanked City Staff for their help and support on installing a traffic light at Morrison Road and San Marcelo Street. Commissioner Portillo, accompanied by Commissioner John Villarreal, encouraged the citizens to attend the Community Town Hall Meeting on Friday, February 17, 2017 at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) PlainsCapital Bank Gran Salon from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Commissioner Rose Gowen thanked City staff, Public Health Department and the University of Texas School of Public Health and for more information on free programs can be found on The Challenge-RGV Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Commissioner Ricardo Longoria, Jr., reminded and encouraged everyone to attend the Airshow to be held on Saturday and Sunday, February 11-12, 2017 and also that Scout Government Day would take place on Friday, February 10, 2017. Commissioner John Villarreal invited the public to attend a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to be held at the Moody Clinic on Saturday, February 11, 2017, of a new sign designed by an Eagle Scout. 3. PROCLAMATIONS: Historic Brownsville Aviation Month (Commissioners J. Tetreau/C. de Leon) The proclamation was read and presented by Commissioner Cesar de Leon. 4. PRESENTATIONS: Employee of the Month (Charlie Cabler City Manager) Mr. Charlie Cabler, City Manager, recognized Esteban Duarte, Maintenance Supervisor, from Parks & Recreation Department, as February s Employee of the Month. Minutes February 07, 2017 Page 3 of 10
5. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: All consent Agenda Items listed were considered to be routine by the City Commission and were approved by one motion. Upon motion by Commissioner Ricardo Longoria, Jr., seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and carried unanimously, Consent Agenda Items a through j were approved. ITEMS No. a through j a) Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 12, 2017. b) Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 17, 2017. c) To acknowledge the following individuals to incur travel expense: Employee Department Destination Date Dorene Fourar BMetro Austin, TX Feb. 28-Mar. 03, 2017 Leonel Garza Building San Antonio, TX May 07-10, 2017 Eduardo Santillan Engineering San Antonio, TX Mar. 09-10, 2017 Eduardo Santillan Engineering San Antonio, TX Mar. 26-29, 2017 Lupe Granado III Finance Arlington, TX Mar. 09-10, 2017 Mirian Camacho Finance Austin, TX Apr. 02-04, 2017 Efren Trujillo Grants Washington, D.C. Feb. 14-18, 2017 Julia Lash Grants Washington, D.C. Feb. 14-18, 2017 Arturo Rodriguez Health San Antonio, TX Feb. 14-17, 2017 Victor P. Mendez Police Anniston, AL Feb. 05-09, 2017 Salvador Rosas Police Maxwell, TX Feb. 05-10, 2017 John L. Tamayo Police Maxwell, TX Feb. 05-10, 2017 Raul Rodriguez Police Arlington, VA Feb. 26-Mar. 01, 2017 d) APPROVAL on SECOND on FINAL READING on Ordinance Number 235-2016-093-S, to allow a Dwelling G (DG) in a General Retail V (4CV) for 0.032 acres for Lots 3 & 4 Block 131 of Olmito Original Townsite located at 1865 Cortezville. (District 3) e) APPROVAL on SECOND on FINAL READING on Ordinance Number 235-2017-001, to rezone from Dwelling A (DA) to Dwelling G (G) for 0.30 acres for Lots 187 and 189 of Baytes Circle located at 29 Sybil Drive and 31 Sybil Drive. (District 4) f) APPROVAL on SECOND on FINAL READING on Ordinance Number 235-2017-002, to rezone from General Retail F (4CF) to General Retail H (4CH) for 0.413 acres for Lots 4, 5 and 6, Block B of Brownsville Original Townsite located at 828 E. 15 th Street and 1502 E. Madison Street. (District 1) g) APPROVAL on SECOND on FINAL READING on Ordinance Number Number 235-2017-006, to rezone from Apartment F (AF) to Apartments G (AG) for 2.89 acres for Espiritu Santo Grant Share 19, Tract 22 Block E located near Old Port Isabel Road. (District 2) h) APPROVAL on SECOND on FINAL READING on Ordinance Number 235-2017-007, to rezone from Medium Retail F (3CF) to General Retail F (4CF) for 1.65 acres for Lots 1 and 2 of Block 1 and Lots 7 thru 12 of Block 51 of IBC Downtown and Brownsville Original Townsite located at 508 E. Elizabeth Street. (District 4) Minutes February 07, 2017 Page 4 of 10
i) APPROVAL on SECOND on FINAL READING on Ordinance Number 235-2017-008, to rezone from Dwelling G (DG) to General Retail G (4CG) for 5.91 acres for Espiritu Santo Grant Share 22 Tract P-1 located at 441 E. Alton Gloor Boulevard. (District 3) j) Consideration and ACTION to award a contract for Wireless & VOIP Telecommunications Equipment and Services for the City of Brownsville. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: 6. Consideration and ACTION to appoint one (1) member to the Brownsville Convention & Visitors Bureau (BCVB). Commissioner John Villarreal moved that Mr. Ricardo Rios, be appointed to the Brownsville Convention & Visitors Bureau (BCVB). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Deborah Portillo and carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 7. Public Hearing and ACTION on FIRST READING on Ordinance Number 235-2017-003, to rezone from Apartment J (AJ) to General Retail G (4CG) for 0.83 acres of Paredes Tract Addition Lots 7-12 Block 66 Bella Vista Addition and Lots 4-6 Block 66 Enrique Subdivision located at 1415 E. Ringgold Street and 1410 S. Expressway. (District 1) [TABLED 01-17-2017] Ms. Ana Hernandez, Interim Assistant Planning Director of Operations, gave a brief explanation of the proposed ordinance noting that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended support of the rezoning of the proposed ordinance. Upon motion by Commissioner Ricardo Longoria, Jr., seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and Commissioner Ricardo Longoria, Jr., moved that Ordinance Number 235-2017-003, be adopted at first reading, to rezone from Apartment J (AJ) to General Retail G (4CG) for 0.83 acres of Paredes Tract Addition Lots 7-12 Block 66 Bella Vista Addition and Lots 4-6 Block 66 Enrique Subdivision located at 1415 E. Ringgold Street and 1410 S. Expressway. (District 1) The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cesar de Leon and carried unanimously. 8. Public Hearing and ACTION on FIRST READING on Ordinance Number 235-2017-005, to rezone from Light Retail (2CZ) to General Retail G (4CG) for the first 80 feet and Apartments G (AG) for the remaining property for Lot 23 of Block 5 of Villa Nueva Subdivision located at 2165 US Military Highway 281. (District 4) Ms. Ana Hernandez, Interim Assistant Planning Director of Operations, gave a brief explanation of the proposed ordinance noting that the Planning and Zoning Commission did not support the rezoning from Light Retail Z to General Retail G for the first 80 feet of the property and to Apartment G for the remaining property. Minutes February 07, 2017 Page 5 of 10
Ms. Carolina Ortiz, property owner within the area, opposed to the proposed ordinance. Upon motion by Commissioner Ricardo Longoria, Jr., seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and Commissioner John Villarreal moved that Ordinance Number 235-2017-005, be adopted at first reading, to rezone from Light Retail (2CZ) to General Retail G (4CG) for the first 80 feet and Apartments G (AG) for the remaining property for Lot 23 of Block 5 of Villa Nueva Subdivision located at 2165 US Military Highway 281. (District 4) The motion was seconded by Commissioner Deborah Portillo and carried unanimously. 9. Public Hearing and ACTION on Resolution Number 2017-002, in support of the El Jardin Housing Partners, LP, named El Jardin Lofts, for a proposed development for affordable rental housing in Brownsville, Texas and identifying El Jardin Lofts as contributing more than any other development to the concerted revitalization efforts of the City and authorizing such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this resolution. Ms. Constanza Miner, Planning Director of Operations, gave a brief explanation of the proposed resolution noting that construction would begin in January 2018 with 40-44 affordable units, located at 1114 E. Levee St. Upon motion by Commissioner Rose Gowen seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and Commissioner Rose Gowen moved that Resolution Number 2017-002, in support of the El Jardin Housing Partners, LP, named El Jardin Lofts, for a proposed development for affordable rental housing in Brownsville, Texas and identifying El Jardin Lofts as contributing more than any other development to the concerted revitalization efforts of the City and authorizing such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this resolution, be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Deborah Portillo and carried unanimously. Commissioner Ricardo Longoria, Jr., stepped out and did not vote. 10. Public Hearing and ACTION on Resolution Number 2017-007, supporting a proposed affordable housing community known as Catalon at Paseo De La Resaca, providing for City of Brownsville financial support and authorizing such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this resolution. Ms. Constanza Miner, Planning Director of Operations, gave a brief explanation of the proposed resolution noting that construction would begin in January 2018-April 2019 with 128 mixed income units, 105 affordable units and 23 market rate units, located at Paredes Line Road. Upon motion by Commissioner Rose Gowen seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and Commissioner Rose Gowen moved that Resolution Number 2017-007, supporting a proposed affordable housing community known as Catalon at Paseo De La Resaca, providing for City of Minutes February 07, 2017 Page 6 of 10
Brownsville financial support and authorizing such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this resolution, be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Deborah Portillo and carried unanimously. 11. Public Hearing and ACTION on Resolution Number 2017-008, supporting the proposed rehabilitation of the affordable housing community known as Paseo Plaza Apartments, providing for City of Brownsville financial support and authorizing such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this resolution. Ms. Constanza Miner, Planning Director of Operations, gave a brief explanation of the proposed resolution noting that rehabilitation would begin on December 2017 with 184 affordable units, located at 2701 Paredes Line Road. Upon motion by Commissioner John Villarreal seconded by Commissioner Rose Gowen and Commissioner John Villarreal moved that Resolution Number 2017-008, supporting the proposed rehabilitation of the affordable housing community known as Paseo Plaza Apartments, providing for City of Brownsville financial support and authorizing such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this resolution, be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cesar de Leon and carried unanimously. 12. Public Hearing and ACTION on Resolution Number 2017-009, supporting the proposed rehabilitation of the affordable housing community known as Rancho Del Cielo Apartments (Phase I), providing for City of Brownsville financial support and authorizing such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this resolution. Ms. Constanza Miner, Planning Director of Operations, gave a brief explanation of the proposed resolution noting that rehabilitation would begin on December 2017 with 130 affordable units, located at 3375 McAllen Road. Upon motion by Commissioner Rose Gowen seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and Commissioner Rose Gowen moved that Resolution Number 2017-009, supporting the proposed rehabilitation of the affordable housing community known as Rancho Del Cielo Apartments (Phase I), providing for City of Brownsville financial support and authorizing such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this resolution, be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and carried unanimously. 13. Public Hearing and ACTION on Resolution Number 2017-010, supporting a proposed affordable housing community known as Paseo Plaza Phase II, providing for City of Brownsville financial support and authorizing such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this resolution. Minutes February 07, 2017 Page 7 of 10
Ms. Constanza Miner, Planning Director of Operations, gave a brief explanation of the proposed resolution noting that construction would begin on January 2018, with up to 120 affordable units, located at 2701 Paredes Line Road. Upon motion by Commissioner Rose Gowen seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and Commissioner Rose Gowen moved that Resolution Number 2017-010, supporting a proposed affordable housing community known as Paseo Plaza Phase II, providing for City of Brownsville financial support and authorizing such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this resolution, be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and carried unanimously. 14. Public Hearing and ACTION on Resolution Number 2017-011, supporting a proposed affordable housing community known as Huntington at Paseo De La Resaca, providing for City of Brownsville financial support and authorizing such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this resolution. Ms. Constanza Miner, Planning Director of Operations, gave a brief explanation of the proposed resolution noting that construction would be from January 2018-April 2019, with 132 total units, which would be 105 affordable, 28 market rate and 10% (13 units) ADA, located at Paredes Line Road. Upon motion by Commissioner Rose Gowen seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and Commissioner Rose Gowen moved that Resolution Number 2017-011, supporting a proposed affordable housing community known as Huntington at Paseo De La Resaca, providing for City of Brownsville financial support and authorizing such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this resolution, be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and carried unanimously. 15. Public Hearing and ACTION on FIRST READING on Ordinance Number 2017-911-G, repealing Sections 46-48, and 46-52 and amending the remainder of Chapter 46, Article II of the City of Brownsville Code of Ordinances as it relates to Plastic Checkout Bags. Mr. Mark Sossi, City Attorney, gave a brief explanation of the changes of the proposed ordinance noting that City Staff recommended approval. Upon motion by Commissioner Rose M.Z. Gowen seconded by Commissioner Cesar de Leon and Commissioner Rose M.Z. Gowen moved that Ordinance Number 2017-911-G, be adopted at first reading, repealing Sections 46-48, and 46-52 and amending the remainder of Chapter 46, Article II of the City of Brownsville Code of Ordinances as it relates to Plastic Checkout Bags. The motion was seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and carried unanimously. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes February 07, 2017 Page 8 of 10
16. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: PLEASE NOTE: Ms. Damaris McGlone, expressed concern and encouraged the Commission to make the City of Brownsville a safer bicycle city and drivers should be more careful around the cyclists. Mr. Jose Antonio Escobedo informed the Commission that Space X and Science Education was vital for the prosperity of the economy. Mr. Christopher Gracia expressed concern regarding Ordinance 2015-971-G in regarding the mandatory microchipping on pets. ACTION ITEMS: 17. Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2017-005 providing for a General Municipal Election to be held on May 06, 2017, for the purpose of electing three (3) members of the City Commission, and authorizing execution of an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the Cameron County Elections Administrator and dealing with related matters. Commissioner Rose Gowen moved that Resolution Number 2017-005 providing for a General Municipal Election to be held on May 06, 2017, for the purpose of electing three (3) members of the City Commission, and authorizing execution of an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the Cameron County Elections Administrator and dealing with related matters, be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and carried unanimously. 18. Consideration and ACTION on Resolution Number 2017-006, to authorize the purchase of the premises described as Lot 7 Block 324, Original Townsite of Brownsville designating signatories for purchase and dealing with related matters. Commissioner John Villarreal moved that Resolution Number 2017-006, to authorize the purchase of the premises described as Lot 7 Block 324, Original Townsite of Brownsville designating signatories for purchase and dealing with related matters, be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rose Gowen and carried unanimously. 19. Consideration and ACTION to acknowledge the financial statements and cash investment report for the City of Brownsville for the first quarter ended December 31, 2016. Mr. Lupe Granado, III, Finance Director, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the unofficial, unaudited financial statements for the first quarter ended December 31, 2016. Commissioner Rose Gowen moved that the financial statements and cash investment report for the City of Brownsville for the first quarter ended December 31, 2016, be acknowledged. The motion was seconded by Commissioner John Villarreal and carried unanimously. Minutes February 07, 2017 Page 9 of 10